Careers

We have achieved The Quality in Careers Standard Award
CAREERS SUPPORT
The Careers Service provides a personalised and impartial information, advice and guidance service to students during the relatively short Sixth Form stage of their education. Our qualified staff deliver a planned programme, which is designed to offer the most appropriate support for students at different stages of their Sixth Form life. They are also able to respond to students’ specific enquiries and needs regarding their progression and career planning.
The Careers service at each site has its own dedicated room/library, which is a large, open access space offering a friendly welcome and facilities for one-to-one advice, small group sessions and online and hard copy research activities. Careers staff also work with students in Year 13 groups to provide support for the UCAS process, Apprenticeship and other employment applications.
CAREERS PROVISION
Careers staff are available to assist prospective students with important study programme decisions throughout the application, enrolment and induction processes. We recognise the crucial importance of making the right course decisions in advance, but also that it is sometimes important for young people to change their plans as new career ideas develop or if study challenges need to be addressed.
For Level 1, 2 and Lower Level 3 students, we work closely to raise students’ awareness of the choices open to them post-Sixth Form and to prepare them as fully as possible for these opportunities. This involves a combination of tutorial sessions, presentations, careers events and trips to employer and Higher Education venues. Students can also drop in for advice or book a one-to-one careers interview with one of our Careers Advisers.
For final year students, the Careers Team is involved in direct applications support, including the UCAS process and for apprenticeship/employment applications. Assistance is available through tutorial sessions, a mixture of group work and individual interviews.
Highly experienced staff work with students on the particular challenges involved in making ‘Early Applications’ for Oxford and Cambridge universities, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and other highly competitive Higher Education, apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
USEFUL LINKS
UNIVERSITIES
- UCAS – Comprehensive information on university courses and admissions
- UCAS – Course Search
- UCAS – Information for Parents
- Prospects – A valuable source of information on the links between qualifications and careers
- University Open Days – Check out all the universities’ open days and events for applicants
- Unistats – An official source of data on universities’ performance, satisfaction rates etc
- The Student Room – A blog by students, for students
APPRENTICESHIPS AND OTHER EMPLOYMENT
- Apply Apprenticeships – The official website for all apprenticeship vacancies
- All About School Leavers – Information on all sorts of options for 18+ students
- UCAS – Apprenticeship Search
- Not Going to Uni – Information on all sorts of non-university options
- Student Ladder – Excellent on higher level non-university opportunities
- Get My First Job – Job vacancies for young people
VOLUNTEERING
CAREERS ADVICE FOR UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
GAP YEARS
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
- Talking Futures
- Advice for parents, guardians and carers | Undergraduate, Conservatoires, Apprenticeships, 16-18 Choices | UCAS
- UCAS: A Guide for Parents, Guardians and Carers
- Success at School: A Parents Guide to Apprenticeships
- Parents and Carers University Guide 2023/24 (successatschool.org)
- Apprenticeships.gov.uk: Support for Parents, Guardians and Carers
CAREERS EVENTS
We hold a number of Careers events during the year, which offer excellent opportunities for students to conduct research, develop contacts and to get their foot in the door for work experience. Below are some of the key events we target or put on to support students:
- Higher Education and Higher/Degree Apprenticeships Fair (Skills London, September)
- UCAS “Early Application” Information Evening With CTK Alumni (January)
- Careers Conference at CTK: University/Employment/Apprenticeships (March)
- ‘Future Pathways Information Evenings’ for Parents (May)
- Regular visits to HE and employer venues (organised with curriculum staff throughout the academic year)
- Support for students and parents at post-16 transition events such as Open Evenings and Preparation Days.
Current opportunities are promoted in a regular Careers Bulletin, which is available on the school’s Moodle and emailed to every student. Topics covered include news about upcoming work experience placements, careers-related webinars, apprenticeship and school leaver schemes, careers exhibitions, taster days with universities and local firms, new resources, like websites and podcasts, and public lectures organised by nearby universities.
Labour Market Information
Please find a LMI update from the EDT here
Start in London includes helpful information about jobs and career opportunities in London as well as information about local education and training provision. It will support you on your journey towards the world of work, helping you make informed choices about study options and be employment ready. Read more here
Here you can find out where to get more information and intelligence of the UK labour market. The widget and websites listed here all use data from the LMI for All service. Some of the websites combine LMI for All data with other types of information, such as videos, whilst others present data as charts. Take a look and see which websites you like.
EVALUATION
The Careers Programme is constantly evaluated. After every activity, when practical, student, staff and guest feedback is taken and evaluated against the Gatsby Benchmarks to ensure that we are providing the best possible learning activities in terms of our Careers Provision.
IMPACT
The Impact of the Careers Programme is accessed through evaluations, an annual Service Review and our Destinations Report.
Additional information
We are fully committed to the Government’s new strategy for careers guidance (‘Careers Guidance for Further Education Colleges and Sixth Form Colleges’, February 2018) and its eight ‘Gatsby Benchmark’ standards.
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Tony ST MARY'S Grades achieved: A*A*BA Progressed to: University of Oxford Course: A Level Maths, Physics, Fine Art and Further Maths
“CTK has always encouraged me to aim high, which has led me to apply to the University of Oxford and I am so pleased to begin my studies there. ”
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Mauzi ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*DD Progressed to: University of Manchester Course: BTEC Applied Science
“During my time at CTK I have enjoyed meeting various new people, whilst engaging in classroom activities and coursework. Additionally, my teachers have provided me with excellent support throughout my studies. I am now going on to study Pharmacy at University of Manchester, in the pursuit of becoming a Pharmacist. I can’t wait to start this new journey.”
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Precious ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*D*D* Progressed to: City University of London Course: BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care
“Studying BTEC Health gave me the best opportunity to realise my dream. I’m incredibly appreciative of all the support and assistance I received throughout my course. From the beginning, the staff recognised my ability and didn’t give up on me.”
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Chief ST MARY'S Grades achieved: BBB Progressed to: Queen Mary University Course: A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry
“I really enjoyed my learning at CTK as lessons were relevant, engaging and challenging, whilst cultivating a warm, dynamic atmosphere.”
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Nathaniel ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*D*D Progressed to: University of Reading Course: BTEC Level 3 Creative Media
“The personalised attention and encouragement from the teachers has, without doubt, contributed to my academic success. The various resources offered by the sixth form, such as the library, extracurricular activities, and online tools have been outstanding. I would highly recommend CTK, to anyone looking for a wonderful educational experience that goes beyond academic excellence.”
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Maddison ST MARY'S Grades achieved: BCA, Distinction* Progressed to: Degree Apprenticeship in Accounting & Finance Course: A Level Business, Maths, EPQ and BTEC IT
“CTK St Mary's is a great environment with friendly people and teachers who want us to succeed. My grades significantly improved. I have enjoyed the various trips and enrichment activities that take place at CTK.”
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Daulat ST MARY'S Grades achieved: AAB Progressed to: Queen Mary's University Course: A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry
“If you are willing to put in the effort to succeed, CTK is the best place to be. The sixth form provides excellent resources and a supportive community to help you reach your academic and personal goals.”
Chislehurst Road
Sidcup
London DA14 6BE
stmarys@ctksfc.ac.uk
